Chapter 2

Rika held her breath as the terrifying hand came down toward her. In a split second, everything changed. The world around her, the sound of the night wind, even the bone-chilling cold—it all seemed to freeze. Time stood still, leaving only a profound silence, as if the entire universe held its breath.

Rika, who had closed her eyes in anticipation of the strike, slowly opened them again. But what she saw was no longer the dark streets where she had been running for her life. Instead, she found herself in a void filled with white light. As far as her eyes could see, there were only white clouds floating gently, glowing with a soft luminescence. The air around her was warm, a stark contrast to the biting cold she had just felt.

She stood there, silent in her confusion. Fear still lingered in her heart, but now it mingled with a sense of wonder. "Where am I?" Rika whispered, her voice trembling. She turned around, searching for any sign of the world she knew, but all she found was emptiness surrounding her in every direction. She tried to calm herself, though her hands continued to shake.

While she was lost in this bewilderment, a sound broke through—the light footsteps of a small creature. Rika turned, and there it was—a small orange cat emerging from behind the clouds, its yellow eyes glowing as they locked onto her. The cat had smooth fur and a tail that swayed elegantly, yet there was something unnerving in the way it looked at Rika, as if it were assessing her.

Rika took a step back, unable to believe what she was seeing. "A cat? Is this... a dream?" she muttered to herself. The orange cat walked closer, blinking slowly with an air of calm, almost as if it enjoyed Rika's confusion.

Before she could grasp what was happening, the cat suddenly opened its mouth and spoke. "You're quite careless, aren't you? How did you end up in a situation like this?" Its voice was calm, carrying a subtle note of mockery.

Rika was stunned. Her eyes widened, her mouth gaped, but no sound came out. Her mind seemed to stall, struggling to process the fact that a cat had just spoken to her. "A-A cat... talking...?" She stepped back again, her legs feeling weak. A mix of fear and shock overwhelmed her, making her vision blur for a moment.

The cat let out a small sigh, as if accustomed to reactions like this. "I am Greed. And it seems we have a lot to discuss, Rika Moritaka," it continued, but before it could explain further, Rika had already fainted onto the soft, floating clouds around them.

Greed sighed deeply, clearly unimpressed by the situation. "Humans... always the same reaction. Troublesome," it muttered while shaking its head. With graceful steps, Greed approached the unconscious Rika, then leapt up and sat on her lap, waiting patiently for her to wake up.

Moments later, Rika began to stir, her eyelids fluttering before finally opening. She scanned her surroundings, and when she saw Greed calmly sitting on her lap, she nearly screamed again. But this time, she managed to hold back, though her breathing was still ragged.

Greed hopped off her lap, staring at her with its glowing eyes. "Are you calm now?" it asked, its voice gentler this time, though still with a slight edge. "If so, let's continue our conversation. I am Greed, and as you can see, I can indeed speak."

Rika could only stare back, trying to process everything. "B-But... you're... you're a cat, aren't you?" Her voice wavered, still struggling to believe what was unfolding before her. "And... this place... where is this?"

Greed looked up, as if pondering for a moment. "Consider this a space between life and death. A realm that exists outside the reality you know, Rika," it answered with a serious tone. "But that's not the most important thing right now. What you need to understand is the true nature of this world... a world far more dangerous than you've ever imagined."

Rika furrowed her brow, fear still flickering in her eyes, but curiosity now outweighed her terror. "The true nature of the world? What do you mean?" She tried to sit up straighter, though her legs still felt weak.

Greed looked at her, the light in its eyes growing deeper, as if it could peer into Rika's very soul. "The world you live in is not as safe as it seems. In the shadows, there are beings called Eternal, who survive by preying on humans, unnoticed by ordinary people like you."

Rika fell silent, her thoughts drifting back to the terrifying creature that had attacked her on the street. "So... the thing that attacked me earlier, is that what you call an Eternal?" she asked in a quiet voice.

Greed nodded slowly. "Yes, and that was just one of many Eternals roaming this world, Rika. They are a real threat, even if most humans are oblivious to them. You could think of them like ghosts or demons, but far more dangerous, because they can interact with this world directly... and destroy anything they wish."

Rika struggled to absorb all the information Greed was giving her, though her mind felt overloaded with confusion. "So... there are many creatures like that out there, and people don't even realize it?" She shuddered at the thought of how many Eternals might be lurking around her, unseen.

Greed regarded her seriously, the mockery gone from its voice. "That's right, and now, you've seen one of them. The question is, what will you do with this knowledge, Rika?"

Rika could only remain silent, realizing that her life might never be the same after tonight. The fear and helplessness were still there, but beneath it all, there was a spark of resolve. Something told her that she could no longer run from this reality.

Greed continued its explanation with a more solemn tone, making the air around them feel even more tense. "Listen carefully, Rika. In this world, besides the threat of the Eternals, there are also beings like me, known as Spirit Beasts. We are spiritual entities bound by certain rules in the human world. We cannot fight directly in the physical world... unless we form a contract with a human."

Rika stared at Greed with questioning eyes, still confused by what he was saying. "A contract? What do you mean?" she asked, trying to understand more. She felt her breathing steady again, though fear still crept through the back of her mind.

Greed paused for a moment, looking at Rika with a sharp and serious gaze, different from his earlier relaxed demeanor. "This contract isn't something simple, Rika. It's a decision that will change your entire life. You have to choose: do you want to die tonight, or do you want to make a contract with me to survive?" Greed's voice was flat, but carried a weight that sent chills down Rika's spine.

Rika felt her body tense up again at those words. The choice between life and death lay clearly before her. But before she could respond, Greed continued, his voice deepening, making the atmosphere around them grow even heavier.

"If you agree, I'll give you the power to fight the Eternals. But there's a condition," Greed continued. "I need something from you—your right hand. In exchange, I'll transfer all my power to you. You'll be able to use my power through your right hand, and you will grow your arm back as a Spirit Beast hand."

Rika was shocked by this explanation, instinctively raising her hand as if in disbelief. "My... right hand?" She stared at her own hand, feeling the warmth flowing through her fingers, something she had always taken for granted, now something she would have to risk for her survival.

Greed nodded slowly. "Yes, and as part of the deal, you must not tell anyone about our contract. It's a rule that must not be broken, or the consequences could be far worse than death."

Rika furrowed her brow, trying to digest every word Greed said. So many questions swirled in her mind, but she knew time was short. The terror she felt facing the Eternal earlier was still fresh in her memory, and she knew that once time resumed, she wouldn't stand a chance against the creature without Greed's help.

After a moment that felt like an eternity, Rika finally took a deep breath and looked at Greed with a determined expression. "Alright. I... I accept the contract. I don't want to die here. If this means I can survive, I'll do it."

Greed looked at Rika with a meaningful gaze before a faint smile appeared on his face. "Good. You've chosen wisely, Rika Moritaka." Then, Greed's body began to fade, slowly disappearing among the white clouds. Before vanishing completely, Greed left one last message, "Don't forget your promise, Rika. I'll be watching you."

A moment later, the empty white space began to tremble, and Rika felt her consciousness being thrown back out of that world. When she opened her eyes, she was back on the cold, dark street. Time, which had been stopped, now resumed, and she saw the grotesque hand of the Eternal still descending, ready to strike her.

With reflexes she didn't even realize she had, Rika raised her right hand. A blinding blue light suddenly enveloped her arm. The hand she thought she had sacrificed now transformed into something new—glowing blue, with mysterious patterns that radiated power.

The Eternal had no time to react. When Rika's new hand struck it, the immense force from her arm sent it flying backward. The creature was hurled violently, crashing against the wall on the opposite side of the street with a thud that echoed between the buildings.

Rika was stunned by what she had just done. She looked at her glowing blue hand, feeling the power surging through her body. "What... is this?" she murmured, still struggling to believe that she now possessed such strength.

However, the relief did not last long. Across from her, the Eternal that had been thrown back was now starting to rise again, letting out an angry roar that echoed through the quiet night. Rika knew that her battle was far from over. But for the first time, she felt a glimmer of hope for survival.

Rika looked at the rising Eternal with fear that she couldn't hide. Her body began to tremble uncontrollably, and without a second thought, she turned and ran as fast as she could. But in her panic, her steps were clumsy and a little awkward. She nearly slipped several times, and even bumped into trash cans on the side of the street. Her legs felt like they wanted to run faster, but her fear made it hard for her to find her rhythm.

The Eternal, angered by the earlier strike, became even more eager to chase after Rika. It let out a sharp growl, like the sound of cracking wood, and leapt after her with speed, despite its short legs and awkward body. Rika glanced back occasionally, and each time she saw the Eternal getting closer, her heart pounded even faster.

"Don't run, you fool!" Greed's voice suddenly rang in her head, as if diving straight into her mind. Rika was startled, almost tripping as she lost her balance. "If you keep running like that, you'll only become that creature's food!"

Rika nearly screamed from the shock of hearing Greed's voice in her head. "How can you be in my mind!?" she asked frantically, still running with her clumsy steps. But Greed didn't answer her question; instead, he kept urging Rika in a firm tone.

"Use your power! You'll never escape just by running like that! Stop and fight him!" Greed's voice sounded more urgent. Rika knew he was right, but her fear made it hard to stop. How could she fight a creature that large? She didn't even know how to use the strange power in her hand.

Finally, Rika stopped her steps, panting heavily, trembling as she stood in the middle of the dark street. She saw the Eternal approaching, with a vicious glint in its eyes and drool dripping from its sharp fangs. "I-I have to try... otherwise, I'll definitely die," Rika murmured to herself, trying to convince her fearful heart.

With her right hand still glowing blue, Rika took a makeshift stance, though it was clearly awkward and stiff. She raised that right hand, trying to mimic a punching move she had seen in action movies. Greed's sigh echoed in her head, as if he was frustrated by Rika's extremely amateurish preparation.

As the Eternal charged at her with its long arms ready to tear her apart, Rika let out a small scream and tried to block the attack with her right hand. The power in her hand managed to stop the Eternal's strike, momentarily surprising the creature. However, Rika's unstable position nearly caused her to topple backward.

"Keep your balance! Don't be so stiff, move more flexibly!" Greed reminded her again, but Rika could only huff in frustration. "You think it's easy?! I don't even know how to fight!" she replied, her voice sounding desperate.

The Eternal attacked again, and Rika tried to dodge with a less-than-graceful leap. She nearly stumbled again, but managed to keep herself upright. Then, she attempted to counterattack with a swing of her right hand. Her punch was still awkward and uncoordinated, but there was significant power behind it.

The punch struck the side of the Eternal's head hard, causing it to recoil. Rika stared at her hand, which still glowed blue, as if she couldn't believe what she had just done. "I... I can do this," she whispered, a bit of confidence beginning to grow within her.

However, the enraged Eternal wasn't ready to give up. It lunged at her again, this time more ferociously. Rika was forced to jump to the side to avoid the attack, then tried to counter with a kick that wasn't particularly strong. The Eternal was still pushed back a bit, though it seemed more surprised by Rika's sudden attempt at resistance.

"Don't just defend, strike back with force!" Greed continued to coach. Rika nodded slightly, unsure if Greed could see her or not. Panting heavily, she began to focus her thoughts on the energy within her, trying to harness the power that Greed claimed resided in her hand.

Rika raised her right hand again, this time trying to concentrate her strength. The blue glow on her hand brightened, forming patterns that lit up her skin. With a loud shout, she delivered a much stronger punch, hitting the Eternal's body with full force.

The Eternal had no time to evade. Rika's punch struck directly into its body, causing a wave of blue energy to ripple throughout the Eternal's form. In an instant, its body began to crack, like glass shattered too hard. The cracks spread rapidly before the Eternal's body exploded into thousands of shards, disappearing into black dust scattered by the night wind.

Rika stood frozen, staring at the spot where the Eternal had shattered into pieces. Her breath came in ragged gasps, her heart pounding wildly in her chest. She couldn't believe she had just defeated that terrifying creature. Her hand, still glowing blue, began to fade, returning to its normal human form.

Greed's voice echoed in her mind again, sounding slightly satisfied. "Huh, turns out you're not that bad, Rika. Though you could use some training."

Rika wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry at Greed's comment, but for certain, the fear that had gripped her so tightly was gradually replaced by a sense of relief. "I... I'm still alive," she whispered, feeling tears streaming down her cheeks without realizing it.

Yet, beneath it all, Rika knew that her life would never be the same after this night.

Rika stood where she was, her body shaking violently after the battle that had just ended. The power that had surged through her began to wane, like a fire starting to die down. Her breath still came in heaving gasps, and with a body drained of energy, she stumbled back a few steps. Her vision spun slightly, making her almost lose her balance.

Her right hand, which had previously shone blue, slowly reverted to its original state. But as the glow faded, something horrifying happened—her right hand began to disappear, vanishing as if swallowed by the empty air. Rika could only stare in wide-eyed disbelief, her body trembling as she watched the change she couldn't stop.

"What... what's happening...?" Rika muttered, her voice hoarse and filled with fear. She tried to move her hand, but all she felt was emptiness where her right hand used to be. Her body collapsed onto the cold ground, while tears started streaming down her cheeks without her realizing it. She bit her lip hard, trying to hold back the sobs threatening to break.

Greed's voice, still present in her mind, tried to comfort her. "Calm down, Rika. You can get your hand back. I told you that, didn't I? As long as you use my power, that hand will return. So stop crying like a child."

However, Greed's words didn't immediately soothe Rika. The girl still felt terrified and lost. "But... but I don't know how to control that power! What if I can't use it again? Will I have to live without this hand... forever?" she sobbed, her voice trembling through her tears.

Greed let out a long sigh in her mind. "You'll have to learn, Rika. There's no other choice. And besides, you've got me now. I won't let you fall into despair like that." Even though his voice sounded harsh, there was a hint of softness trying to give Rika some reassurance.

After a moment, Rika wiped her tears with her left arm. She tried to stand even though her legs still felt weak. Her clothes were now dirty and torn in several places from the battle. Her disheveled hair and dust-covered face made her look like someone who had just been in a street brawl. But, with the remaining strength she had, she decided to walk home.

Rika's steps were heavy, and every time she looked at where her missing hand should have been, her heart sank deeper into fear and regret. The empty streets and flickering streetlights above her only made her feel more alone. The night felt colder than usual, making her body shiver.

Greed remained silent in her mind, not speaking again. Maybe he knew that Rika needed time to process what had just happened. But his silent presence gave her a slight sense of comfort. At least she wasn't completely alone, even though her new companion was a strange talking cat.

Arriving in front of the door of her simple apartment, Rika took a deep breath and opened it with her left hand. As soon as she stepped inside, she collapsed onto the floor, not caring about the cold tiles beneath her. "I never imagined my night would end like this," she said, staring at the ceiling as her eyes slowly began to close.

Meanwhile, an hour after Rika left the scene of the battle, the quiet atmosphere was disturbed again. A man in a black suit emerged from the shadows, his steps slow but full of caution. He surveyed the surroundings, noticing the traces of battle still lingering on the street. The cracks on the asphalt and scattered remnants of dark energy caught his attention.

The man crouched down, picking up some of the black dust left from the shattered body of the Eternal, then smelled it intently. "Who managed to defeat this Eternal... to the point of destroying it like this?" he muttered, his voice low but filled with curiosity.

He took out his phone from his neatly tailored suit pocket and pressed a few buttons. After a few seconds, the call connected. "The Eternal named Fitz is dead," he reported seriously, his eyes still scanning the battle remnants around him.

On the other end of the line, a firm voice responded, "Did you take it down?" There was a brief pause before the man in the black suit replied, "No. It wasn't me."

The voice on the other end grew more serious. "Find out who did it. If they can defeat Fitz, this could be a serious threat to us. We can't let someone that strong roam unchecked."

The man ended the call after agreeing to the order given to him. He looked again towards the place where the battle had taken place. His eyes narrowed, filled with deep curiosity. He whispered to himself, "Defeating Fitz, an Eternal with a level 1 threat, shattering it like this... Just how strong are you, the one who did this?"

He stood there, surrounded by the eerie silence of the night. The cold wind blew gently, carrying away the remaining black dust, as if erasing the traces of the battle that had just occurred. But for the man, the search was just beginning.

To Be Continued..